How to Get Rid of McAfee Pop Ups in 2025: Stop McAfee Virus Popups & Notifications

If you’re frustrated by non-stop McAfee virus popups on your computer, you’re not alone. Many users struggle with constant McAfee pop ups, whether they come from expired subscriptions, leftover software, or even scam ads in the browser. These alerts can be distracting and make your device harder to use.

The good news is, it’s easy to remove McAfee pop-ups for good. In this guide, you’ll learn how to stop McAfee pop-ups, block fake virus alerts, and keep your Windows PC or Mac free from annoying notifications. Follow these up-to-date methods and enjoy a pop-up-free experience without the hassle.

Why Does McAfee Show So Many Pop Ups?

1. Pre-Installed Trial Software: Many new Windows computers come with a trial version of McAfee antivirus already installed. These trial versions generate frequent pop ups reminding you to activate or purchase the full version.

2. Expired Subscription Alerts: If your McAfee subscription has expired, the software will continue to display renewal reminders and warnings that your device is “at risk.”

3. Renewal and Upgrade Notifications: McAfee often sends promotional pop ups encouraging you to upgrade or renew your subscription, even if your current protection is still active.

4. Security Alerts and Scans: The software regularly notifies you about completed scans, detected threats, or recommended security actions, leading to repeated notifications.

5. Leftover Files After Uninstallation: If McAfee wasn’t fully removed from your system, background services or leftover files can still trigger pop ups.

6. Browser Extensions or Adware: McAfee browser extensions (like WebAdvisor) may show additional pop ups. Sometimes, scam websites or malicious ads imitate McAfee popups to trick you.

How to Get Rid of McAfee Pop Ups: Step-by-Step Methods

Dealing with endless McAfee virus popups can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are proven ways to stop McAfee pop ups, remove McAfee notifications, and finally enjoy your computer without interruptions. Let’s go through each method, starting with the easiest.

1. Turn Off McAfee Pop Ups From the Software

If you still use McAfee antivirus but want to limit the popups, you can adjust notification settings within the program.

1. Open McAfee: Click the McAfee icon in your system tray (bottom right of your screen).
2. Go to Settings: Click the gear icon or look for “Settings” in the main dashboard.
3. Manage Alerts: Find sections called “General Settings and Alerts” or “Alerts.”
4. Adjust Notification Types:

• Uncheck “Informational Alerts” and “Protection Alerts” to reduce non-critical popups.
• Disable marketing or renewal notifications if available.

Save Changes: Click “Apply” or “Save” to update your preferences.

For McAfee LiveSafe or Total Protection:

• Follow the same process: open the app, go to Alerts or Notifications, and turn off the types you don’t want.

Note: Critical security alerts may still appear, but you can greatly reduce the frequency of other popups.

2. Remove McAfee Completely From Your Computer

The most effective way to remove McAfee popups is to uninstall the software entirely—especially if you’re not using it for protection.

1. Open Control Panel: Type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Navigate to Programs: Click “Uninstall a program” under “Programs.”
3. Find McAfee Products: Look for McAfee Total Protection, McAfee LiveSafe, or any other McAfee product.
4. Uninstall: Select the McAfee product, click “Uninstall,” and follow the prompts. Restart your PC if required.

Use the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR)

Even after uninstalling, some McAfee services can linger and cause popups.

• Download the MCPR tool from McAfee’s official support site.
• Run the tool and follow instructions to fully clean McAfee remnants.
• Restart your device after completion.

How to Remove McAfee from Mac

1. Go to Applications: Open Finder > Applications.
2. Drag McAfee to Trash: Find any McAfee security software and drag it to the Trash.
3. Empty Trash and Restart: Right-click the Trash and select “Empty Trash,” then restart your Mac.

3. Remove McAfee Browser Extensions

Many users experience McAfee popups from browser add-ons like McAfee WebAdvisor. These extensions display security alerts, warning banners, or renewal reminders.

Remove McAfee Extension from Chrome, Edge, or Firefox

For Chrome:

1. Click the three dots (top right) > “More tools” > “Extensions.”
2. Locate “McAfee WebAdvisor.”
3. Click “Remove.”

For Edge:

1. Click the three dots > “Extensions.”
2. Find McAfee-related extensions and remove them.

For Firefox:

1. Open menu > “Add-ons and themes” > “Extensions.”
2. Remove any McAfee extension.

4. Stop Fake or Scam McAfee Virus Popups

If you see suspicious McAfee popups while browsing (like “Your computer is infected!” or “McAfee subscription expired—click here!”), you’re likely seeing scam ads, not real antivirus notifications.

• Don’t click the popup: Close the tab or browser immediately.
• Clear Browser Cache: Open browser settings and clear history, cookies, and cache.
• Check Extensions: Remove any unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.
• Scan for Adware: Run a scan with Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or a trusted adware cleaner.
• Install an Ad Blocker: Tools like uBlock Origin or AdGuard can help block future scam popups.

Tip: If you see popups on multiple websites, your browser or PC may be infected with adware—scan thoroughly.

5. Stop McAfee Renewal and Marketing Emails

McAfee is notorious for sending frequent renewal and marketing emails, even after uninstalling.

Here’s how to get rid of McAfee email popups:

• Open any McAfee email and scroll to the bottom.
• Click “Unsubscribe” or “Manage Preferences.”
• Remove your email address from marketing lists.
• If the emails don’t stop, mark them as spam or block the sender.

6. Remove McAfee Leftover Files and Services

Uninstalling McAfee often leaves behind files and running services that can still trigger popups.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to these locations and delete McAfee folders if present:

• C:\Program Files\McAfee
• C:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee
• C:\ProgramData\McAfee

Check Windows Services:

• Press Win+R, type “services.msc,” and look for any McAfee services.
• Right-click and choose “Stop” and set to “Disabled.”

Clean Up McAfee Files on Mac:

Open Finder and navigate to:

• /Library/Application Support/
• /Library/Preferences/

Delete any McAfee-related folders.

7. Disable McAfee in Windows Startup

Sometimes McAfee programs or remnants run in the background at startup, causing more popups.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Right-click any McAfee-related entry and choose “Disable.”

8. Block McAfee Notifications in Windows Settings

Even after uninstalling, Windows may show security notifications mentioning McAfee. Here’s how to stop those:

1. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
2. Scroll down and find McAfee in the sender list.
3. Turn off notifications for McAfee.

9. Remove McAfee from Windows Security Center

Sometimes, even after removing McAfee, Windows Security still lists it as a provider, resulting in repeated alerts.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage providers.
3. If McAfee is listed, select it and click “Remove” or disable.

10. Check and Remove McAfee Scheduled Tasks

McAfee may schedule tasks for scans or notifications even after uninstallation.

1. Press Win+R, type taskschd.msc to open Task Scheduler.
2. Look for tasks under “McAfee” in the Task Scheduler Library.
3. Right-click and delete any McAfee tasks.

11. Prevent McAfee from Being Reinstalled

To avoid future McAfee popups, prevent the software from being reinstalled accidentally.

• When setting up new devices or installing programs, always choose custom options and uncheck McAfee or antivirus trial offers.
• Download apps only from trusted sources.

12. Use an Alternative Antivirus (Optional)

If you want protection without constant popups, consider using Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11) or another lightweight, reputable antivirus program that doesn’t bombard you with ads and notifications.

Conclusion

Dealing with constant McAfee virus popups can make using your computer frustrating, but you don’t have to live with these annoying alerts. Whether you’re seeing renewal reminders, security warnings, or fake McAfee popups in your browser, there are reliable methods to stop McAfee pop ups for good.

By following the steps above turning off McAfee notifications, fully uninstalling the software, removing browser extensions, and blocking scam popups you can remove McAfee popups and regain control of your device. Always make sure to clear out leftover files and check your startup settings to prevent future issues. If you do need antivirus protection, consider switching to a program that offers strong security without constant interruptions.

ALSO READ:

• How to Activate McAfee Product Subscription at mcafee.com activate
• Activate Assurance Wireless My Account Login at assurancewireless.com
• How to Turn Off Pop up Blocker on iPhone
• How to Stop Pop-Up Ads On Windows 11